Regional countries are for a stable Sri Lanka, Iran President tells President Rajapakse

[Tuesday, November 27, 2007 - 5.00 GMT] 

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad at the official ceremony to welcome President Mahinda Rajapakse said that all countries in the region wish to see a developed and powerful Sri Lanka and voiced his support for stability, independence and unity in Sri Lanka.

President Rajapakse expressed his gratitude to the Iranian President for Iran's assistance during and after the tsunami tragedy. He recalled that emergency assistance was followed by long-term assistance to rehabilitate tsunami-stricken areas

Two Presidents discussed wide ranging bilateral talks in Tehran yesterday focused on economic, political and social issues affecting the two countries. .

Sri Lankan President apprised his Iranian counterpart on the peace efforts of the Sri Lankan Government.

President Rajapakse who is on a 3-day official visit to Iran was earlier greeted by President Ahmedinejad and accorded a Guard of Honour.

The two leaders also discussed the possibility of granting Iranian assistance to the oil refinery project, Uma Oya project and the development of railways and transport. Tourism cooperation was also discussed. They also discussed the bilateral pacts due to be signed by the two countries on economic cooperation.

It was also pointed out that more Ceylon Tea could be exported to Iran, one of the leading buyers of Lankan teas.

Iran President said the visit of the Sri Lankan President to Tehran would be a big step towards broadening ties between the two countries.